Air compressor oil

[RGardner]

Got ready to finally change the oil in the compressor on my air compressor and couldn't find the compressor oil i had purchased for it. I had already drained the oil. so I put Mobil one 5-30 synthetic motor oil in. Anyone know if this will cause troubles? I finally found the compressor oil a couple of weeks later. The compressor seems to start easier and maybe run a little faster with the mobil one oil. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[MFalkinham]

It really depends on whether the manufacturer of the compressor recommends using only compressor oil or not. Some makes allow motor oil to be used, and some don't.



Personally, I wouldn't use motor oil in mine, since compressor oil has special anti-foaming/anti-moisture additives that motor oil doesn't. However, if I did use motor oil, it would definitely be synthetic; although I probably wouldn't use a multi-weight unless cold weather operation was an issue.



Most average compressors only hold two quarts of oil, although mine is industrial and takes two gallons. Compressors are expensive, and oil is cheap by comparison. I'd drain it and use the best synthetic compressor oil I could find (I like Kaeser). Just my 2-cents.



- Mike

 

[nickleinonen]

i've been using off the 15w50 mobil1 in my compressor since i sold my tahoe. , in our old compressor, we used mobil1 5w30 for 10+ years and it did not get regular servicing. before we sold it to a friend a few years back, we changed the oil out, and re filled it [was pretty good looking then] and it hasn't been changed yet. the mobil1 synthetics seem to be pretty good at not foaming. and it is going to lubericate well. when i run out of the 15w50, i will probably go back to compressor oil [cause it is cheaper] but i have like 3 liters left and my compressor takes about 1 liter each time [change it 1-2 times a year]

 

[Sled Puller]

A lot of compressors take a non-detergent oil. Tha Mobil 1 is probably cleaning all your gunk out, right now, better drain it and see how bad it looks.

 

[RGardner]

What is the problem with using a detergent oil in an air compressor?

 

[Paychk]

I have a new CH Quad compressor and Mobil 1 is on the list of approved lubes.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

A lot also depends on the design of the compressor.



The one I got last year is a Champion brand - they state to use "their" oil. When I called and asked about that - they said to use a good 20wt non detergent oil.



Apparently the detergent vs non-detergent has to do with the foaming, and deposits that can form in your crankcase. The compressor doesn't have to deal with blow by/ acids/ fuel contaminants, etc. So, I just get a good oil to us that meets their specs. As was stated before - a gallon of "official" oil is $11 - yes expensive - but a lot cheaper than a new commercial compressor.



Now in the old craftsman electric - I use whatever is sitting on the shelf - then again - the thing is old,worn, and is only a few hundred dollars compared to a few thousand.



They spec it for a reason - kinda like using 5w30 pep boys oil in the cummins - yea - it will work - but for how long and are you willing to risk it.



However, you know what you are willing to risk, so do what you want. Such as for me - it isn't worth the cost of synthetics for the crankcase (truck or compressor) but I use it in the other areas.



Hope this helps!

Dan

 

[Greenleaf]

The shop here in the bus garage is an Emglo Model "R" two cylinder (not John Deere)which takes #30 non-detergent oil.



-S